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ALBERT B. FARWELL, of
Zumbrota village, son of James H. Farwell, was born February
10, 1881, in Zumbrota village, where he acquired his
education. After his school days were over he entered his
father's office and engaged in the real estate and collecting
business, which he has continued since his father's
death. He is a Republican, holding
the office of constable, and is a member of the Knights of
Pythias and the Masons. He is still single and one of the
rising young men of the village.
JAMES H. FARWELL was born in New Ipswich,
N. H., May 16, 1847, and died February 18, 1909. He came to
Zumbrota in the year 1869 and engaged in farming, but later
devoted most of his time to his real estate and collecting
business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death. He
was married October 8, 1874, at Zumbrota to Emma A. Barrett,
daughter of Albert and Lucy A. Barrett, who came to Zumbrota
in 1857 and became prosperous farmers. Mr. Barrett died in
1877 and Mrs. Barrett in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Farwell
had one son, Albert B., born February 10, 1881, and one
daughter, Edith L., born October 10, 1884. Mr. Farwell was a
Republican in his political views. He was one of the leading
men in the village, prosperous and progressive, and for three
years was its honored mayor. He was a member of the Masonic
fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. His death left a
real vacancy in the village, the general sentiment being that
the community had indeed lost a true man and a noble
character.
ANDREW FELIEN owns a fertile farm of
eighty acres in Stanton township, where he is rearing a family
of ten sturdy children. He was born in Sweden April
22, 1860, son of Andrew and Kate (Johnson) Felien, who lived
and died in the old country. In 1882, at the age of twenty-two
years, Andrew left the shores of his native land and made his
first venture in America as a workman in St. Paul. He also
labored for a short time in Spring Garden, but a short time
later came to Stanton. When he first came here he worked about
five years as an employee of Johnson Miller. Subsequently he
rented Mr. Miller's farm, but three years later went to Dakota
and tilled the land there seven years.
About a dozen years ago, he came back to this township
and purchased the farm which he now owns. Here he has made
many improvements on the house ancl buildings, and has erected
a fine windmill. He makes a specialty of dairying and sells
milk to the Cannon Falls cheese factory. Politically he is a
Republican, and is now serving as treasurer of his school
district. He was married in 1887 to Emma Denning, daughter of
Sidney and Annie Denning, who came to this county before the
war. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Feline are : Cora,
Kattie, Arthur, Lulu, Florence, Clara, Lawrence and Clarence
(twins), Edward and Ernest. All the children are at home, and
those of suitable age attend school.
JOHN J. FERRIN, furniture dealer and
undertaker, of Red Wing, has the honor of having assisted with
the finishing of the artistic wood work of many of the larger
public buildings of Chicago. He is a native of New York state,
born at Jamestown, March 2, 1860. His parents, Matthew and
Margaret (Donahue) Ferrin, came to America from Ireland in the
early days, the father living in Jamestown, and the mother in
Buffalo, N. Y., until their marriage. Father and mother are
both deceased. John J. attended the graded
and high school of his native town, but started in work for
himself at an early age. His first season as a laborer was
spent in learning the brick-layers' trade. Then he learned
furniture and cabinet finishing, following this occupation
twenty-nine years in various employes. He worked eight years
with the Martin Bros, of his native state as assistant
foreman, afterward entering the employ of Booth and Osgood, of
Chicago, manufacturers of school, church and office
supplies. With this firm he had
charge of the finishing department, one of the big contracts
at which he worked being the furnishing of the Chicago post
office. After leaving this employ, he was foreman, two years,
for the Rothchilds, of the same city, manufacturers of saloon
and hotel fixtures. As foreman for R. F. Misner, with whom he
was next employed, he worked on the furnishings of the Public
Library and of the old Chicago City Hall. Labor troubles over
the brick layers of Chicago, threw him out of employment, and
consequently, on July 19, 1887, he came to Red Wing, entering
the employ of the Red Wing Furniture Manufacturing Company, on
trial. After the three weeks' test was concluded, he was given
a position in their finishing room, remaining in this employ
about thirteen and one half years. In 1899 he started in the
retail furniture business with Magnus Carlson, still holding
for a short time, his position with the manufacturing company.
His retail business, however, increased so rapidly that it
soon demanded all of his attention. On January 13, 1906, Mr.
Ferrin purchased his partner's interest and added an
undertaking departement to the establishment. In politics, Mr.
Ferrin is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Modern
Woodmen twenty years and has passed through all the chairs of
that order. He js grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and
belongs to the Yeomen, the Red Men and the Red Wing Commercial
Club. The family religion is that of the Roman Catholic
church. John J. Ferrin was married at Chicago, August 1, 1884,
to Catherine T. Farrel, of that city. The Farrel family passed
through the horrors of the great Chicago fire, Catherine being
the only one of the family who escaped with her life. To Mr.
and Mrs. Ferrin have been born six children: Mary Ann, April
30, 1885; Francis J., December 22, 1888; George C., March 19,
1896; Margaret, February 19, 1898; Catherine E., September 17,
1902, and John B., September, 1905.
All the children are at home, the older sons helping
out in their father's store.
ALBERT FINSTUEN, of Roscoe
township, son of Peter P. and Martha (Goplin) Finstuen, was
born in Roscoe, October 30, 1882.
His parents, both natives of Norway, came to America in
1868, and located in Zumbrota, where he worked at various
labor for five years. Then he came to Roscoe township, and
bought 160 acres of land. This he improved, and built a home,
barn and other out buildings, carrying on general farming and
stock raising. They still reside on the farm. Albert received
his education in the common schools of the township, and
worked with his father on the farm. In 1907 he purchased 160
acres and has since carried on a general line of farming for
himself. He was married January 9, 1907, to Clara Swenson,
daughter of Peter and Mali (Okelberg) Swenson, natives of
Norway, who came to this country in 1859, locating at
Rockford, 111., remained a short time, then came to Minnesota,
and bought land in Minneola township, which they broke and
improved, carrying on general farming, and adding more land
gradually, until they had acquired over 700 acres in all. The
father died September 21, 1891, and the mother June 6, 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Finstuen have one son, Curtiss, born July 5.
1905. Mr. Finstuen is a Republican in politics, but has never
sought or held any public office. He and his wife are members
of the Lutheran church.
ANDREW FINSTUEN, lawyer, and editor and
proprietor of the Kenyon Leader, is a native of Roscoe
township, this county, born June 27, 1875. Elis parents, P. P.
and Mathea (Coplen) Finstuen, came to this country in 1867 and
purchased 160 acres of land. Both parents are still
living, being well-to-do and prosperous residents of Roscoe
township. Andrew was given the advantages of such schooling as
his neighborhood afforded, and then attended the high school
at Zumbrota. Subsequently entering the law department of the
state university at Minneapolis, he graduated in 1902 and at
once started the practice of his profession in Kenyon. He also
purchased the Kenyon Leader, which he has since conducted. His
law practice is large, and he enjoys the confidence of all
those with whom he has legal dealings. His paper is bright and
newsy, with able editorials, and is a welcome guest in some
thousand homes in the southwest part of the county. A
republican in politics, he has taken an active interest in the
betterment of the village. His services as a member of the
village council, president of that board, as member of the
school board, and secretary of the Commercial Club have been
highly esteemed. He is also an active member
of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Finstuen was married
January 16. 1909 to Matilda Strandness, daughter of Jacob
Strandness, an old settler of this county, now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Finstuen make their home in a pleasant residence in
Kenyon village, Mr. Finstuen being a property owner here. It
is worthy of note that in the family of P. P. Finstuen are
eight children, Andrew, the subject of this sketch, being the
oldest.
P. P. FINSTUEN, of Roscoe township, was
born in Norway, November 7, 1846 he received his education in
the public schools of Norway, and worked on the farm. In 1868
he emigrated to America, coming to Zumbrota, where he worked
at various labor for five years. In 1873 he went to Roscoe
township, and bought 160 acres of land which he broke and
cleared for cultivation. This farm he sold, and in 1885
purchased 163 acres in the same township where he built a
dwelling, a modern barn, and other out buildings, and carried
on general farming as well as horse and stock raising. March
1873 he was married to Mathea Goplin, daughter of A. and
Ingebor Goplin, natives of Norway. They came to America in
1870 and located in Roscoe township, and engaged in farming on
80 acres of land, but later added to it 160 acres more. Both
parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Finstuen have
eight children: Andrew now of Kenyon; John of North Dakota;
Mathilda, the wife of Edwin Swenson now living in Canada;
Albert, of Roscoe; Oscar Mella, William and Carl, living at
home. Mr. Finstuen 's parents Peter and Agnes ( Olson)
Finstuen, were natives of Norway.
The father was a farmer. He died in 1851 and the mother
in 1901. Mr. Finstuen is a Republican in his political views,
and has served on the board of county commissioners for the
past three years, also on the school board for a number of
years, The family attend the Lutheran church.
PETER 0. FINSTUEN, of Roscoe township, was born
in Minneola township, August 14, 1868, son of Ole P. and Annie
(Joranlid) Finstuen, natives of Norway, who came to this
country in 1868 and located at Red Wing, where the father
worked at his trade of tailor, remaining until 1874, when he
purchased 80 acres of land in Roscoe township. This land he
broke and improved, later adding forty acres more. He carried
on a general line of farming and stock raising until his
death, October 27, 1905. The mother is still living in Roscoe
township. Peter 0. received his education in the common school
of the district and completed his studies with a course at a
business college at Decorah, Iowa. After finishing his
studies he returned home and took up farming. In 1898 he went to
North Dakota, where he only remained six months, after which
he came back to the home farm, where he has since remained and
carries on general farming, and rents eighty acres together
with his own 120. He was married June 1, 1889, to Ida Goplin,
of Roscoe, daughter of Henry and Ella (Hastad) Goplin, natives
of Norway, who came to America and located in Roscoe township,
where they were farmers and where they both still live. Mr.
and Mrs. Finstuen have had five children: Carl F. W., born
June 24, 1900; Mabel, born November, 1901; James W., born
April 30, 1903; Ole H., born January 9, 1908 ; Oscar A., born
August 10, 1899, and died in infancy. Mr. Finstuen is a Republican in his politics, and has held
several offices in the township. He has been treasurer of the
school board of nine years, and in 1903 was elected clerk of
the township, which office he still holds. He has held the
office of manager and secretary of the Wanamingo and Farmer's
Mutual Telephone Company for two years, and is agent for the
Wanamingo Farmers' Fire Insurance Company. The family attend
the Lutheran church.
GUSTAF S. FISK, paperhanger, painter and
decorator, also proprietor of a store at 224 Main street, Red
Wing, was born in Sweden, November 25, 1874, son of Erick J.
and Annie (Parson) Fisk, the former of whom after spending his
life as a miller in the old country died in the spring of
1882. The mother is still livings making her home in Sweden.
Gustaf received his education in the Swedish public schools,
worked on a farm until eighteen years of age, and then, in the
spring of 1893 came to America and located in Red Wing. His
first employment here was with the potteries, three years, as
a kiln worker. Desiring more out-of-door employment, he
learned the painting and paperhanging trade with B. A. Olson,
remaining four years. He next started in business for himself
with Robert Ringstrom as a partner.
Two years later he bought Mr. Ringstrom 's interest,
continued the business alone one year, admitted Aaron Anderson
as a partner one year, and then again conducted it himself. He
now has a large establishment, handles a fine line of goods,
does a good business, and during the busy season employs about
a dozen men. From 1907 to 1909, Mr. Fisk served as a member of
the city council. He votes the Republican ticket, attends the
Swedish Mission church and belongs to the Scandinavian
Benevolent Society. October 18, 1899, Mr. Fisk was married to
Christine Peterson, daughter of Andrew Peterson, a wagon
maker, who died in Sweden as the result of an accident. The
mother still lives in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk live at 537
East Seventh street, Red Wing.
HENRY FITSCHEN, a scientific farmer of
Belvidere, was born in Germany, June 22, 1852, son of Jurgen
and Kate (Hoeft) Fitschen, both natives of that country. He
received his education in Germany, and later attended school
in America for three months. He came to America in 1869, took
up farming and in 1869 came to Minnesota and located in Hay
Creek, where he worked for his brother Cord for seven years.
In 1876 he purchased eighty acres in Belvidere township, where
he has since made his home, improving his land, adding more
gradually, until he owns over 400 acres, of which 300 are
under cultivation. He carries on general farming and makes a
specialty of raising fine stock and horses. He was married
March 22, 1876, to Margaret Ohlhaber, daughter of Claus and
Christina (Gerken) Ohlhaber, natives of Germany, who came to
America, where the mother died in 1884. The father is still
living with a daughter in Featherstone township. Mr. and Mrs.
Fitschen have had seven children, of whom six are living:
Annie W., married to Cord Kohrs, living on a farm in Belvidere
; Claus, now of Belvidere ; Eliza C., married to William
Betcher, a farmer of Hay Creek; John C., Louis J., and Albert
W., living at home. Mary died in infancy. Mr.
Fitschen is a Republican and has been treasurer of
school district 34, which office he held for five years. He
has been pathmaster for four years. The family faith is that
of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Fitschen is a fine example
of a farmer whose heart is in his work and who performs his
duties intelligently and with a knowledge of agricultural
conditions. He has fed stock since early boyhood and carries
on farming not only for the purpose of making a living, but
for the pleasure he derives from watching the sprouting and
maturing of the harvests and the development of the animals.
His stock receives the best of care and each animal on the
place realizes that it has a friend and thoughtful caretaker
in its owner. Since Mr. Fitschen commenced farming all the
straw raised on his place has been returned to the land for
fertilizer; thus the land grows richer year by year, instead
of becoming worn out. It is such farmers as he who add to the
dignity of what is one of the noblest callings in which man
can engage.
OLE FOLLINGSTAD, president of the First
State Bank of Wanamingo, was born in Norway, August 15, 1834,
son of Ole and Mary (Kolberg) Follingstad, natives of Norway,
who came to America in 1861 and lived with their son, Martin
Follingstad, until the time of their death, both passing away
in 1882 or 1883. Ole 0. Follingstad received
his education in the public schools of Norway and came to this
country in 1861, locating in Wanamingo township. In 1868 he
purchased eighty acres of land, which he has since increased
until he now owns 380 acres of highly improved land. His home
is a pleasant one and well furnished, the large amount of
books in the house testifying to his literary tastes. He still
carries on general farming. In politics an independent voter,
he has been elected assessor of the township seven different
years, and has served on the school board many terms. Aside
from his farming interests he owns stock in the elevator and
lumber companies as well as in the financial institution of
which he is president. He was married October 30, 1868, to
Emma Bakkertun, daughter of Sivert and Gure (Onstad)
Bakkertun, natives of Norway, who settled in Rock county,
Wisconsin, in 1858 and in Leon township, this county, in 1861,
engaging in farming operations for the remainder of their
days, the father dying in 1866 and the mother in 1894.
To Mr. and Mrs. Follingstad have been born eight
children : Olaf is dead, passing away in 1897 at the age of
twenty-six years; Mary, born in 1872, is the wife of Deafin
Goplin, of North Dakota Julia is the wife of the Rev. Thomas
Hanson, of Franklin, Minn. Oscar, Ida, Matilda and
Lewis are the next four children ; Henry, the youngest, is a
graduate of the agricultural department of the State
University, and is now in North Dakota. The family faith of
the Follingstad family is that of the Norwegian Lutheran
church. Mr. Follingstad is one of the substantial men of the
township and his influence is strongly felt in the village
where he has contributed both his efforts and his money to
assist in the upbuilding of the business
interests.
ARNT J. FORDAHL, of Wanamingo village, a
native of Norway, was born June 16, 1868, son of John and
Randi (Hegge) Fordahl, who came to America in 1869 and located
on Section 1, Cherry Grove, in the spring of 1870. Here they
first bought 120 acres and later forty acres more, upon which
the father built a large home and roomy barns, improving it
until it was under a high state of cultivation. He died
November 9, 1879, but the mother still lives on the old
homestead. Arnt J. acquired his education in the common school
at Cherry Grove. Completing this, he worked on the farm and
threshed for a number of years. In 1890 he purchased a half
interest in the Wanamingo mill, and in 1891 his brother
purchased the other half. In the fall of 1891 the brothers
built a mill which burned down January 18, 1892. They erected
a new mill in the spring and installed machinery for grinding
feed and making flour. The mill was then conducted under the
name of A. J. Fordahl & Co., until 1900; when the brother
sold his interest to Arnt J., who now conducts it under the
name of the Wanamingo Flour Mills. They make a specialty of
"Nonpareil" and "Staff of Life" flours. This mill was first
built by a Mr. Clark, and in 1861 he sold it to Nels Norby,
who later sold a half interest to Henry Nelson. Norby and
Nelson were in partnership for some time, after which Norby
bought Nelson out. The old mill was originally half a mile
further west, but in 1868 was moved to the present, site.
Mr.
Fordahl put steam power into the mill, so it is now
operated by both steam and water. He was united in marriage
July 1, 1890, to Hannah Akre, daughter of Hans C. and Anna
Akre, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Akre came to America and
located at Madison, Wis., where Mr. Akre worked at cabinet
making until 1866. They then came to Holden township and
followed farming until 1895, when they removed to Kenyon to
live a retired life. Mrs. Akre died in 1904. Mr.
and Mrs. Fordahl have ten children : Joseph H., Rosa A., Anna
J., Kenneth E., Ellen V., Albert H., Clarence R., Elmira M.,
Joel B. and Nora M. Politically Mr.
Fordahl affiliates with the Prohibitionists and
fraternally with the Modern Samaritans. He is a man of
recognized ability, as is shown by the fact that he was state
boiler inspector for two years under Governor Van Sant. For
six years Mr. Fordahl was school director in District 63, and
for three years township supervisor. For a similar period he
was president of the Farmers Telephone Company. He is a
stockholder in the Telephone Company and the Farmers' Elevator
Company. By his fair business dealings and genial temperament,
Mr. Fordahl has won for himself a large circle of friends and
acquaintances who respect and admire him.
CHARLES O. FORSSELL, Red Wing's able and
genial assistant postmaster, is a native of Sweden, born June
12, 1862, second son of John and Johanna (Petersdotter)
Forssell, the former of whom was a Swedish land owner. The
parents came to America in 1868, and located at Red Wing,
where after a long life of devotion to husband and family, the
mother died February 14, 1904. The father still makes his home
in this city, enjoying an honored old age. Brought to America
as a youth of six years, Charles 0. received his early
education in the Red Wing public schools. At the age of
fifteen he went to work, and the following years worked in the
flour mills and on a farm. In 1881 he became postal clerk in
the Red Wing postpoffice, holding this position until 1891. In
that year he was appointed to the assistant postmastership
under Postmaster Fred Seebach, a position he still retains,
giving satisfaction to his superiors in the service as well as
to the public whom he serves. Interested in the industrial
growth of the city he has joined the Red Wing Commercial Club.
He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Swedish
Lutheran Church. Mr. Forssell is not married.
The brothers and sisters in the family numbered eight.
All the living are respected and honored in the communities
where they have taken up their residence. Ida M., born in
Sweden, February 13, 1858, lives at home, and keeps house for
her father and brother; Axel, born in Sweden, April 1, 1860,
died October 18, 1872; Charles O. is the subject of this
sketch. Claus F., born in Sweden, September 5, 1864, is now
located at St. Paul with Noyes Bros. & Cutler ; Hilma,
born in Sweden September 29, 1867, died June 28, 1868; John
A., born in Red Wing September 30, 1869, is now with the
Schubach Millinery Company, of St.
Paul; Frank H., born at Red Wing, November 25, 1872, is
principal of the Monroe School in Minneapolis ; Hilda, born in
Red Wing, September 16, 1876, died July 7, 1908.
 M. D.
FOX, of Cannon Falls village, is one of those thrifty
Vermonters who have brought to this state the perseverance and
ability of New England ancestry, combined with the progressive
and expansive spirit of the west. He is a supervisor of the
township of Stanton, in which he owns 640 acres of fine land,
president of the Stanton cheese factory, president of the
Stanton Elevator Company, and president of the school board.
He is not only one of the prominent men of the township, but
also of the county, and his name is honored far and wide,
standing as it does for honest dealing, integrity, ability and
uprightness. M. D. Fox was born in Wilmington, Vt., August 8,
1843, son of I. L. and Unus (Church) Fox, who, after spending
their early days in Vermont, came to Goodhue county in 1866
and located in Warsaw township, remaining eight years. They
then spent four years in Northfield, and subsequently came to
Stanton township. where the father died in
1903. The mother lived to the good old age of eighty-seven,
and died August 7, 1909. Of the family of seven children, but
two are living, M. D. and E. K. The subject of this sketch
received his early education in Vermont, and at the outbreak
of the Civil War enlisted in Company E, 11th Vermont Volunteer
Infantry, in August, 1862. He was with the Army of the Potomac
during its entire campaign, with the exception of five weary
months which he spent in Andersonville prison. He was
discharged in July, 1865, and took part in the grand review in
Washington. In 1866 he came west with his parents, and after
spending a number of years in this county, went to Fergus
Falls, where he spent three years.
Since that time he has continued to reside in Stanton. He
rents 220 acres of his land, but upon the remainder carries on
general farming and dairying, selling milk to the cheese
factory of which he is president. Mr. Fox was married in 1884
to Carrie Rydlund, daughter of John and Christine Rydlund, the
latter of whom is spending her declining years at the Fox
home. To Mr. and Mrs. Fox have been born
nine children: Oscar L., Lillian R., Henry L., John W., Esther
S., George E., Eva F., Moses D. and Arthur T.
WILLIAM FREEBORN, one of the
original proprietors and second mayor of the city of Red Wing,
was born in Ohio, moved to Fulton county, 111., as a boy, and
in territorial days located in St. Paul. His sister Maria
married Dr. W. W. Sweney, and the two families came to Red
Wing in 1852. He was a member of the territorial legislature.
His generous policy made possible the city of Red Wing as it
is today, and to this policy is also due the fact that such
rivals of those days as Wacouta and Lake City were rapidly
outdistanced as trading and shipping points. He and Dr. Sweney
gave liberally of land for various enterprises and donated
parcels for school, public and church purposes, the land thus
donated today representing a value which would amount to
several fortunes. An evidence of his generosity is found in
Hancock's History of Goodhue County, where that venerable
clergyman and pioneer says : "The close of the year 1853 was
made memorable by the fact that the entire community were
invited by that generous, whole-souled town proprietor,
William Freeborn, to partake of the annual Thanksgiving dinner
at his house. With, the exception of one or two persons, the
invited guests were all present and had a grand social time.
It was one of those occasions when the rich and the poor meet
together and acknowledge God as the Maker of all, and the
source from whence all blessings flow." In the early sixties,
Mr. Freeborn moved to California, where he died. In his honor,
Freeborn county, this state, is named.
C. H. FREEMAN, proprietor of
Elm Grove Stock and Dairy Farm, Roscoe township, was born in
Canada, January 27, 1862, son of George and Ann (Shields)
Freeman. He was educated in the common schools, and worked
with his father until 1889, when he bought 97 acres of the
home farm in Roscoe township. Here he built a fine home,
modern stock barn, 36x60, also other out buildings and carries
on a general diversified line of farming and stock raising. He
was married November 26, 1892 to Minnie F. Mann of Zumbrota,
daughter of E. A. and Mary Everett Mann, natives of
Massachusetts, who were farmers, and came west locating in
Roscoe township, where they purchased 80 acres of land and
engaged in farming. In 1884 they retired from active life, and
moved to Zumbrota, later going to Redwood county, where they
reside. Mr. Mann was in the Indian massacre. Mr. and Mrs.
Freeman have no children. Mr. Freeman is independent in his
politics. He has served on the town board for several years,
and has been road master and overseer for several years and
also a member of the Farmer's Elevator Company of Zumbrota. He
is a member of the Modern Woodmen, and Mutual Life and
Accident Insurance Co. The family faith is that of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
GEORGE FRANKLIN FREEMAN, the
proprietor of Poplar Grove Stock and Dairy farm, Roscoe
township, was born in Canada, September 27, 1865. His parents,
George Freeman and Annie Shields Freeman, natives of England,
came to America in 1854, to Lower Canada. In 1857 they
emigrated west to Wisconsin where they remained until in 1868,
when they came to Minnesota, and purchased 80 acres of land in
Roscoe township. This they broke and cultivated, built a home,
barn and other out-buildings and added to their farm, until
they had 194 acres. Here they carried on a general line of
farming and stcok raising until the father died on February
14, 1889. The mother died in November 1895. George F. Was
educated in the schools of Zumbrota. After leaving school, he
took up farming on the home place where he still resides,
carrying on farming and stock raising. July 3, 1883, he was
married to Louisa Spriestersbach, daughter of John and
Catherine Spriestersbach, natives of Germany, who came to
Wisconsin in 1860 and in 1870 to Minnesota, locating at Pine
Island, and engaged in farming. Both are now dead. Mr. and
Mrs. Freeman have had three children : Ethel is dead ; Gladys,
born November 28, 1895, attends the Zumbrota high school,
George, born November 16, 1891, has graduated from the same
institution. Mr. Freeman is a Republican. He has been town
treasurer one year, treasurer of the school board for the past
18 years, and road master and inspector of state highway since
1908. Fraternally he affiliates with the I. O. O. F., United
Workmen, and the Rebeccas, in which organizations, he has held
office. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal
church.
GUSTAF EDWIN FREEMAN, is a native born
son of this county, whose abilities have been recognized by
his fellow citizens to the extent that they have retained him
in public office for the past four years and have just
reelected him to another term. Born in Red Wing, September 11,
1872, he attended public schools and at an early age decided
to try his own fortunes as a worker.
He learned the business of stoneware making, and
followed this trade for nearly eighteen years in the same
employ, an unusual record for a young man of this generation.
His faithfulness and ability in this capacity attracted the
attention of his fellow citizens and in 1904 they persuaded
him to run for the office of Register of Deeds, to which
office he was elected by a large majority. He took office in
January, 1905, and his present term does not expire until
January 1, 1911. Mr. Freeman is a Republican in politics and
belongs to the I. O. O. F., the M. W. of A. and the
Scandinavian Benevolent Society. He owns a pleasant home at
803 East Seventh street in this city. Gustaf E.
Freeman was married July 6, 1899, to Anna M.
Youngquist, daughter of Carl and Christine (Dahlberg)
Youngquist, natives of Sweden, who emigrated to America in
1866, and in 1870 became residents of Red Wing. The father
died April 22, 1903, and the mother makes her home in this
city. To Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have been born two
sons-Norman Everett, September 7, 1902, and Horace Benjamin,
March 18, 1908. Nels, father of Gustaf E. Freeman came to
America from Sweden in 1853 and lived in Chicago, 111., six
years, and in Centralia, Wis., two years.
In 1861 he came to Red Wing, worked as laborer and
later followed truck gardening. He now lives a retired life.
His wife, whose maiden name was Betsy Johnson, is a native of
Norway. She emigrated to America in
1860, and in 1867 became a resident of Red
Wing.
ANDREW J. FRENN, carpenter and general
contractor, of Red Wing was born in Sweden, September 8, 1845,
son of Lars and Stena Frenn, who came to America in 1852. Like
several other Scandinavian families, who located in Goodhue
county, they lived first for a time at St. Charles, Kane
county. Illinois. Later the family went to Wayne, DuPage
county, in the same state, where the father bought
thirty-three acres and carried on farming and stoneing, also
working some at his trade as plasterer.
In 1862 he sold his farm to Daniel Dunham, and in 1864
came to Minnesota in true pioneer style, making the trip with
his family in a wagon. He purchased 160 acres in Featherstone
township, and to this added twenty acres of timber land. Here
he carried on farming of a general nature until 1868 when he
sold his land to his sons, John and Andrew, who continued to
carry on farming on the home place until 1870, when John
purchased Andrew's interest. John still owns and works the old
homestead. In 1868, the father purchased a farm known as
"Popular Grove," consisting of 224 acres, which he worked
until his death, November 9, 1880. The mother died in
1874. Charles, a brother of John
and Andrew, now carries on this farm. Andrew J. received his
boyhood training in the schools of Wayne, 111., and there
worked on his father's farm until coming with the rest of the
family to Goodhue county. He continued farming in Featherstone
township until 1872, when he came to Red Wing, living first on
Sixth street for two years and later purchasing a home at 518
Bush street where he still resides. From 1873 to 1875 he
worked at the carpenter trade, and in the latter year entered
the employ of the grocery store of Seebach Brothers as a
clerk. In 1879 he resumed farming on the homestead farm,
remaining there until 1889 when he came back to Red Wing,
since which time he has been engaged in the carpenter and
building business. Mr. Frenn is a Republican in politics, has
been city treasurer two terms, 1904-1908, has served on the
board of registration and has done jury duty in a number of
important cases. Mr. Frenn was married, November 18, 1866, to
Emma Sophia Johnson, who came from Sweden to America on June
29, 1864, and took up her residence in DuPage county,
Illinois. To this union have been born seven children-Julia
S., born April 28, 1868, is the wife of John August Nelson, of
453 Thirteenth street, Red Wing; Josel Edwin was born February
24, 1871; William T. born June 12, 1873, lives in California;
Marie Emelia was born December 16, 1875: Huldah E., born
October 15. 1879, is the wife of Joseph Wagner, of 745
McSorley street, Red Wing; Emma H.
was born January 31, 1883, and Andrew Sidney, February
4, 1885. The family worships at the Swedish Lutheran
Church.
P. J. FRENN, an estimable
and well-known citizen and farmer of Featherstone township,
was born in Sweden, June 5, 1843, son of Lars and Christina
(Swanson) Frenn, who upon coming to America in 1852 settled in
St. Charles, 111., where the father worked as a farm and stone
mason about ten years. It was about 1864 when they came to
Featherstone township and purchased the place which has since
been the Frenn homestead. Here they lived for the remainder of
their years, the father dying in November, 1880, and the
mother in September, 1874. P. J. Frenn received his education
in the common schools and then took up farming on the home
place, adding to the improvements which his father had
started. He has brought the land to a high state of
cultivation, and, aside from the commodious buildings for his
stock, he has a comfortable residence for himself and
family. The farm
consists of 220 acres, all of which is tillable, and upon
which he carries on general farming and dairying, selling
cream in considerable quantities. Five acres of the farm
constitutes a fine orchard, and there are also on the place
many trees which Mr. Frenn has planted for shade. Aside from
his land in this township, he also owns eighty acres in
Wisconsin and 166 acres in Texas. In addition to being a good
farmer, Mr. Frenn is a good carpenter, an occupation which he
followed for ten years during his younger life. Although not
an office seeker, he has consented to serve two terms on the
town board, being elected on the Republican-ticket, to which
party he pays allegiance. Mr. Frenn was married July 26, 1872,
to Christina M. Swanson, daughter of Carl and Inga C. Swanson,
who lived and died in the old country. To this union were
born eight children : Hilda M. Bruber lives in Hay Creek ;
Hanna C. lives in California ; Esther A. also lives in the
same state; Carl S. married Wilhelmena Zignego and lives in
Hay Creek township; Martin L. lives at home and helps on the
farm; Albert E., Elmer A. and Lilly W. are also at home. The family attends the
Swedish Lutheran church.
CHARLES E. FRIEDRICH, in
building up a large and successful business, has contributed
in no small degree to the general prosperity which has made
Red Wing an example for all citizens of similar size in the
United States. He is a native of this city, born June T, 1862,
when the early pioneers were still in their prime and some of
the old log cabins stood within the limits of what is now the
city of Red Wing. He has literally grown up with the town. The
parents, John M. and Anna C. (Kempe) Friedrich, the former of
German birth and the latter a native of Sweden, came to
America in the early fifties, the father locating for a short
time at Wacouta, later coming to Red Wing and engaging in the
merchandise business which the father followed all his
life. He died
October 12, 1887, and his widow now resides in Red Wing. Of
the family of three children, Charles was the oldest. Helen A., the next
child in the family, lives in Red Wing. The youngest son was
John H. Friedrich, lieutenant colonel in the Thirteenth
Minnesota Wlunteer Infantry, in the Spanish-American war, who
died soon after his return from that conflict. Further mention
of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich will be found in the military
history of the county, which appears elsewhere in this volume.
Charles received his education in the public schools of Red
Wing, and even as a boy took an interest in the mercantile
business. After leaving school he engaged in the wholesale and
retail grocery business with his father, John M. Friedrich,
under the name of C. E. Friedrich & Co., until 1894, when
the present company Was incorporated, the company now being
known as Friedrich & Kempe Company. Of this company, Mr.
Friedrich has continued as president and manager. Its success
may be learned from the description found in the account of
the mercantile houses of this city, appearing in this volume.
Mr. Friedrich was
married December 12, 1894, at Red Wing, to Catherine A. Wolff,
daughter of Henry and Amalia (Bottenus) Wolff, natives of
Germany, who came to America in the early fifties, locating
first in Ohio, then in Iowa, and in 1855 in Red Wing, where
the father followed his trade, retiring from active work some
twenty years before his death, September 26, 1902. To Mr. and
Mrs. Friedrich have been born three bright children: John C.
was born August 22, 1897; Edward H., July 15, 1901, and James
K., August 22, 1903. These boys all first saw the light of day
in Red Wing. The family resides in a pleasant home at the
corner of Seventh and East avenue, the residence being one of
the most comfortable in the city. A democrat in politics,
Mr. Friedrich has
served in a number of important public capacities, was
alderman two terms, member of the city cemetery board two
terms and was on the fire board for a similar period. His most
distinguished public service has consisted in acting as
chairman, and a most active and interested member of the
committees that have wrought for the city its three most
important improvements.
These three committees were: The citizens' committee
that promoted the high bridge across the Mississippi; the
joint committee of the fire board and city council that
located and built the present beautiful city hall, and the
committee of the city council that negotiated with the
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul and consummated the Levee park
ordinance. Mr. Friedrich associates with the Masonic
fraternity and attends the Episcopal
church.
REV. GUNDER S. FROILAND,
pastor of Lands' and Minneola congregations of the United
Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, is an ideal village
pastor in every particular, the father of his. people,
eloquent in the pulpit, comforting and encouraging in family
life, and an inspiration at all times toward those things for
which the church stands. He, was born in Stavanger, Norway,
January 13, 1867, .son of the pioneers, Sven and Rachel
Froiland, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1869, and
remained in Fillmore county, Minnesota, until 1873, when they
went to Brookings county, in what was then Dakota territory,
being among the first, settlers there. With true pioneer vigor
and energy they homesteaded 160 acres, which they at once
brought under cultivation. The father remained on this
homestead and farmed until his death, December 1, 1896. The
mother is still living on the home farm. Gunder S. was brought
to this country by his parents in 1869 and has consequently
spent almost his entire life in this country. He received his
preliminary training in the schools of his native county and
in 1883 entered the Augustana College, at Beloit, Iowa. He
went with this college when it was removed to Canton, S. D.,
and graduated in 1891, Thus equipped with a thorough classical
education, he took up his theological training at Minneapolis,
studying two years in the Augsburg Seminary and one year in
the United Church Seminary. He graduated in 1891,
and was ordained June 17 of the same year. His first charges
were in Chippewa county, Minnesota, where he faithfully and
satisfactorily served the Milan and Watson congregations until
1908, when he received a call to the pastorate of his present
churches. These churches have a combined membership of about
1,450 souls, making a very busy life indeed for the pastor. In
addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Froiland served for
several years as elder of the Montevidio circuit. The Froiland
home is filled with a goodly number of bright-faced children.
Sven, born March 24, 1895, and Martinus, born April 11, 1897,
are the children of Molla Teterud, whom Rev. Froiland married
July 6, 1894, and who died April 19, 1897. He was married the
second time May 3, 1899, at Milan, Minn., to Alma Gorder, by
whom he has five children: Marius, born February 26, 1900 ;
Gerhard, born January 9, 1902; Rudolph, born March 1, 1904;
Margaret, born June 13, 1906, and Alfred, born August 14,
1908.
GUNDER FROYUM, one of the prosperous
farmers of Minneola township, was born in Norway, September 5,
1849. During his childhood he attended school in Norway. At
the age of sixteen he came to America with his parents and for
six weeks was a pupil in the Minneola school. After leaving
school he applied himself to the farm work, remaining as his
father's assistant until his death, when he inherited the home
farm, which he continued to improve, erecting several new farm
buildings. He has followed general mixed farming, being very
successful. He is also interested in the stone quarry. He is
prohibition in politics and has always been interested in the
welfare of the country in which he lives, filling the office
of town supervisor for two years, also road overseer, and
treasurer of the school board. Mr.
Froyum was married April 17, 1878, to Dena A. Goplin,
daughter of A. A. and Mary Goplin, farmers of Norway, both
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Froyum have
ten children-Sophia, married to Carl Fossum; Matilda, married
to Henry Bjugan; Julia, now Mrs. Hasset, of North Dakota;
John, Alfred, Helen, George, Selma, Herman and Floyd, all at
home. They all attend the Lutheran Church. The parents of
Gunder Froyum were John and Sigri (Avelsgard) Froyum, both
natives of Norway, emigrating to America in the year 1865, and
locating in 1866 in Minneola, where they purchased 120 acres
of land, which the father broke up and cultivated, erecting a
home and other farm buildings. He died February 10, 1885, and
the mother February 10, 1881.
GEORGE W. FULERUT,
progressive, prosperous and well-informed farmer of Belle
Creek township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born April 21,
1829. Upon leaving school he learned the carpenter trade,
which he followed after moving to Bed Wing in 1856, engaging
also in contracting and building and making sash and doors. In
1860 he purchased 130 acres of. land in Belle Creek and at
once moved on the place, taking up general farming. From that
time he made various purchases until his retirement in 1901,
when he owned a farm of 320 acres of highly cultivated land.
Fie now rents the place and is enjoying a well-earned rest
after years of toil, sacrifice and frugality. A fine old
gentleman in every respect, he enjoys the confidence and
admiration of the younger generation, being often sought for
advice and counsel. Fie still votes the Republican ticket, and
in his more active days served the township as supervisor and
school district No. 39 as director. By his good wife, Mary
E. Bush, whom he married October 20, 1853, he has had seven
children: Bose L., born August 12, 1854, lives at home with
her parents; Charles, born July 1, 1858, met with a sad death
by drowning in Dakota; Frank C., born January 9, 1861, is a
merchant in Norton, Ivan.; Clara Ellen, born May 16, 1864, is
the wife of J. T. Warwick of Belle Creek; Bessie Marie, born
December 14, 1866, married Patrick Bowles, a farmer living in
Belle Creek; Samuel Guy, born July 19, 1869, is a traveling
salesman out of Minneapolis ; George Daniel, born February 2,
1872, is a farmer living in Belle Creek township. The family
faith is that of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Fulerut is the
daughter of Joseph and Lucretia (Putnam) Bush, and
granddaughter of John Bush, who fought under Braddock in the
Revolution. The father was a native of Connecticut and the
mother of Great Barrington, Mass., the former dying in August,
1841, and the latter June 7, 1840. Michael and Sarah
(Coleman) Fulerut, parents of George W., spent their entire
life in Pennsylvania, the father being a lumberman of German
parentage. He died in 1886. The mother was of English
parentage and died in 1891.
FRANK W. FULKERSON, of Zumbrota, was born
at Hamilton, Madison county, New York, June 9, 1851, son of
Stephen and Mary (Worthington) Fulkerson, natives of England
and Germany, respectively. The father, who was a contractor
and stonecutter, died December 25, 1859, and the mother
November 24, 1891. Frank W. received his education in New
York, after which Ife followed farming until 1872, when he
came west and for one year worked on the government survey of
the Red River valley. In 1873 he came to Zumbrota
and engaged in carpenter work and contracting, which he has
since followed. Mr. Fulkerson was married February 2. 1878, to
Viola Dickerson, daughter of A. J. and Hannah (Cooledge)
Dickerson, the former of whom died in 1900 and the latter in
1866. Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson are the parents of six children :
Robert L., born February 13, 1879, is with C. A.
Zimmerman, of St. Paul; Harold E., born February 7,
1881, is with the Southern Pacific railroad at Oregon; Jay E.,
born August 29, 1885 graduate of the Minnesota University, is
with the Cascade Lumber Company, of Washington state; Ruth E.,
born October 28, 1886, lives at home; Floyd F., born January
2, 1889, lives in North Dakota; Lois F., born December 10,
1890. lives at home. Politically, Mr. Fulkerson is an
independent Republican, belongs to the Masons, the Modern
Woodmen and the Modern Brotherhood. A sincere believer in
education, he has given his children the advantage of a
thorough school training. The family worships at the
Congregational church.
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